The Pine Creek Canyon Trail is located in Red Rock Conservation Area near Las Vegas, Nevada. It has a small stream nearby with many pines lining it, which is pretty unusual in Las Vegas.

The first part of the trail is a hill that heads down and then it begins in more of a desert landscape. There was a fire in this canyon a few years ago and there is a little .02 mile fire ecology nature loop that you can learn more about the effects of the fire. Even if you don’t take that tiny extra loop, you can see some of the charred trees.

As you continue you can look to the left of the trail to the stream where all of the namesake pines are growing.

There is a foundation of the Wilson Homestead that you come to along the trail. They had a cattle ranch and orchard here in the 1920s. There is also a cool hollow tree next to the Wilson Homestead.

There is a loop at the end of this trail and it’s quite easy to lose the trail. I think it’s a little easier to follow the trail if you head left and continue around clockwise. Even if you get a little off-track, there isn’t that much vegetation that you could get very lost.

When you come to the little marshy area, be sure to stop and look carefully for frogs.

Here are some more images from the loop in random order.

As with all desert hiking, be sure to bring lots of water. You will also want sunscreen and maybe a hat to protect you from the sun.

Stats: Distance – 3.4 miles round trip
Approximate hiking time – 1-3 hours
Elevation gain – 515 feet
Difficulty – Easy
Trail – dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At Trailhead
Seasons to hike – Year Round
Permits needed – $15/car for or National Parks Pass
Pets allowed – No

Map to trailhead